REALL News - Vol 10 No 04 - 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue Date: April 2002
Volume: 10
Issue: 4
Publisher: Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The REALL News features a critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, particularly concerning the concept of 'energy,' and addresses the ongoing debate between evolution and creationism in education.

Energy Crisis by Robert Novella

Robert Novella's article, "Energy Crisis," debunks the popular misuse of the word "energy" in pseudoscientific contexts, especially in relation to the human body. He argues that the concept of a "life energy" or "vital force," prevalent in ancient beliefs like Chinese 'chi,' Indian 'prana,' and Japanese 'ki,' as well as in practices like chiropractic and Therapeutic Touch, is a remnant of ancient vitalism and has no place in modern scientific understanding. Novella explains that physics defines energy as the capacity for doing work, a concept that has been thoroughly studied and encompasses various forms like potential, kinetic, thermal, chemical, and electrical energy. He asserts that the energy powering living systems is primarily chemical energy, stored in molecules like ATP, which is released through metabolism. Novella dismisses claims of bio-energetic fields and electromagnetism as evidence for a unique "life energy," explaining phenomena like infrared radiation and Kirlian photography as natural physical processes (heat radiation and corona discharge, respectively) that do not distinguish living from non-living matter. He concludes that alternative health practices relying on these concepts lack reproducible scientific evidence and are not required by scientific data, adhering to Occam's razor.

The Ventriloquist's War by Richard Petraitis

Richard Petraitis' article, "The Ventriloquist's War," explores the historical use of deception and trickery by self-styled messiahs to incite rebellion and gain followers. The article details several instances, beginning with the "First Servile War" in ancient Rome, where conjurers used tricks like breathing fire to convince people of divine sanction. It highlights the Talking Cross Revolt of the 19th century among the Maya people in Yucatan, Mexico. Rebel leaders like Jose Maria Barrera and the H-man Manuel Nahuat employed ventriloquism and religious claims, such as "speaking idols" and "talking crosses," to motivate Maya fighters against the Mexican government and European elites (Ladinos). The article recounts how these "talking crosses" promised bullet immunity, which ultimately failed, leading to heavy losses for the rebels. Despite the exposure of these tricks, the rebellion continued, with new methods of ventriloquism employed to maintain the illusion of divine guidance. The article traces the conflict, known as the Caste War, through various stages, including the establishment of an autonomous Maya state and its eventual conquest by the Mexican federal government in 1901, marking the end of the Talking Cross Maya as an independent people.

Evolution, Creation, and Science Eduction: Answers to Ten Common Questions by Molleen Matsumura

Molleen Matsumura's article addresses common questions regarding the teaching of evolution and scientific creationism in schools. She argues that evolution should be taught as it is the most accurate scientific explanation for the diversity of life and is crucial for understanding biology. Matsumura distinguishes between science, which seeks natural explanations through observation and experiment, and "scientific creationism," which attempts to support religious beliefs and relies on miracles, thus rendering it unscientific. She refutes common creationist arguments, such as the alleged lack of transitional fossils, by explaining that such claims are based on misunderstandings or misrepresentations of evidence. The article also clarifies the legal standing, citing Supreme Court rulings that prohibit states from forbidding the teaching of evolution and from requiring the teaching of "scientific creationism" due to its religious nature. Matsumura addresses concerns about teachers' freedom of speech, noting that while teachers are free to express religious beliefs outside of school, their professional responsibilities within the classroom are bound by curriculum requirements. She also tackles the moral implications, asserting that evolution does not inherently contradict religion and that understanding evolution reinforces the value and uniqueness of each person. The article concludes by dispelling the notion that "survival of the fittest" justifies cruelty, explaining that "fitness" in an evolutionary context includes cooperation and kindness, which are vital for the survival of groups.

From the Chairman

In his column, Chairman David Bloomberg discusses ideas from the previous REALL meeting, including a suggestion for members to research and write short articles on skeptic-related topics. He also highlights the need for articles that appeal to "fence-sitters" rather than just existing skeptics, using chiropractic as an example. Bloomberg announces the upcoming meeting on Tuesday, April 2, at 7:00 PM at the Lincoln Library, which will include elections and a roundtable discussion on the future of REALL, member involvement, and outreach. He encourages members to volunteer for leadership roles.

A Nod to Our Patrons

This section acknowledges and thanks REALL's patron members for their financial support, which enables the organization to promote critical thinking in Central Illinois. A list of patron members and their locations is provided.

Our Next Meeting

This section reiterates the details for the upcoming REALL meeting on Tuesday, April 2, 7:00 PM, at the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Illinois. The meeting will cover elections and a roundtable discussion on the future of REALL, member involvement, and outreach strategies. It is noted as being free and open to the public.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical thinking, scientific literacy, and the debunking of pseudoscience and unsubstantiated beliefs. REALL's editorial stance is clearly one of promoting rational inquiry, skepticism, and the scientific method as the most reliable means of understanding the world. The magazine actively challenges claims that lack empirical evidence, whether they pertain to alternative medicine, historical narratives of deception, or the science education debate. The publication aims to educate its members and the public by providing well-researched articles that distinguish between scientific consensus and pseudoscientific assertions, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and objective analysis.